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Why Paulo Fonseca’s Heated Referee Confrontation Led to a Nine-Month Ban.
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How Lyon Plans to Navigate Ligue One Without Their Suspended Head Coach.
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The Bigger Picture: What Fonseca’s Ban Means for French Football and Referee Treatment.
Lyon head coach Paulo Fonseca has been suspended for nine months by the French Professional Football League (FLP) after an intense confrontation with referee Benoît Millot during his side’s 2-1 Ligue 1 victory over Brest.
The Portuguese manager now faces one of the longest bans imposed on a Ligue 1 coach in recent years.
Fonseca’s Heated Exchange with the Referee Leads to Suspension
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During Lyon’s hard-fought win over Brest on March 2, tensions escalated in stoppage time when Fonseca reacted furiously to a possible penalty decision.
The Lyon boss stormed towards Millot, aggressively leaning into his face before being restrained by captain Corentin Tolisso and other teammates.
As a result, Fonseca was immediately sent off. His second attempt to confront the referee had to be stopped by several Lyon players.
FLP deemed his actions severe enough to warrant a suspension that keeps him away from matchday duties until November 30, 2025.
FLP’s Disciplinary Action and Lyon’s Response
The French Professional Football League confirmed that Fonseca is barred from the bench, officials’ dressing rooms, and any official match functions before, during, or after games until November 30.
Furthermore, he cannot access the team dressing room, pitch, tunnel, or surrounding corridors until September 15.
Lyon reacted swiftly, expressing concerns over the severity and speed of the punishment.
“The extreme severity of this unprecedented sanction is concerning, especially considering the rapid manner in which it was imposed,” the club said in a statement.
They also argued that Fonseca was “not judged on his actions alone,” insisting his reaction was emotional but not a physical attack on the referee.
The club is now exploring all possible avenues for appeal.
Fonseca’s Apology and Millot’s Perspective
Following the match, Fonseca publicly apologized, acknowledging his mistake.
“I just want to say that I’m sorry for what I did. I should not do it,” he told broadcaster DAZN. “Maybe we do things that are not right. I’m sorry.”
However, referee Millot painted a different picture, describing the coach’s behavior as intimidating and aggressive.
“He rushed toward me with an intimidating attitude, and I decided to send him off directly,” Millot told L’Équipe. “There was, it seems, slight contact of the nose. [It was] a particularly aggressive attitude, which one can hardly imagine from a professional coach.”
Interestingly, the controversial handball decision in question was reviewed by VAR, but a penalty was not awarded.
Larger Implications and Referee Controversy in Ligue 1
Fonseca’s absence on the touchline could have major consequences for Lyon, who currently sit sixth in Ligue 1.
The team is also preparing for their Europa League clash against FCSB on Thursday (17:45 GMT), adding further pressure on the squad.
Meanwhile, the incident has reignited debates about referee treatment in French football.
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Last week, the French referees’ union warned that its members would exercise their right to withdraw if they or their families were placed at risk.
The controversy escalated after Marseille president Pablo Longoria made inflammatory remarks about referee Jérémy Stinat following their 3-0 loss to Auxerre on February 22.
Longoria accused the officials of “true corruption” and criticized the red card given to defender Derek Cornelius.
His comments led to a 15-match ban.
What’s Next for Fonseca and Lyon?
Fonseca, who took charge of Lyon on January 31, 2025, after leaving AC Milan, now faces months away from direct team management.
His suspension is one of the harshest disciplinary actions against a Ligue 1 coach in recent years.
As Lyon battles for a European qualification spot, the club must navigate critical fixtures without their head coach on the sidelines.
The severity of Fonseca’s ban also sends a clear message about the FLP’s stance on coach-referee confrontations.
For now, Lyon fans and club officials await further developments, as the possibility of an appeal remains open.
Stay tuned for more updates!
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